Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo will both be allowed to return to the Switzerland squad next month, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed on Tuesday, after an investigation into forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates that the pair obtained.
Switzerland captain Xhaka missed Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia during the October international break. He had admitted to acquiring a fake certificate that allowed him to travel and compete in 2022. Striker Embolo, 29, was also dropped from the squad in September for the same reason.
Both players cleared for November
The SFV said that the 34-year-old Sunderland midfielder Xhaka and Embolo will both be available for selection by manager Murat Yakin for November’s fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland. Xhaka is Switzerland’s record appearance holder with 152 caps.
National team director Pierluigi Tami explained the reasoning behind the decision. “We considered this from various perspectives,” he said. “The specific circumstances of both cases, the concluded legal proceedings, and the sporting consequences already implemented all factored into the decision.”
Tami added: “We are convinced that a return to the national team in November is responsible and the right thing to do.”
Fines and suspensions
Both players were fined 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) and suspended for two years, provided they commit no further offences.
Xhaka accepted responsibility for his actions and has not been stripped of the captaincy. However, the SFV stated that the final decision on the captaincy rests with Yakin, who will announce his squad on 5 November.
Group E battle ahead
Switzerland top Group E going into their final two Nations League fixtures, against Slovenia on 13 November and Scotland on 16 November.